Upgrading to Windows 10
About Windows 10 | Windows 10 Troubleshooting | Replacing an Older Computer | Upgrading to Windows 10 | Turn off Automatic Updates in Win 10
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
There are a few things to consider. If you have an older computer (3 years +) and you are thinking about upgrading to Windows 10, read this page first.
HARDWARE
Depending on the age of your machine, your hardware may be too old for Windows 10. If that is the case there may not be drivers available for your motherboard, video cards etc. That means that your system could stop working. To avoid this, consider a new computer before experiencing that headache. It will save you a lot of time and frustration.
VIDEO CONNECTIONS
The older video connections called VGA have gone away for the most part. Older monitors used this type of connections which new video cards will not support. If your monitors are as old as your computer this is something to keep in mind as well.
BROWSERS
If you are online you are using a browser to get there. That said the security of that browser is critical in keeping you safe from hackers and infections. If you are using an older computer with an older browser you are putting yourself at risk every time you go online. Windows 10 will also give you a more secure browser.
SECURITY
Microsoft security updates are more important now than ever to keep you safe. If your computer is really old with Windows XP or Vista for example, you have no security updates at all. Stop now and give us a call we will tell you what you need to do.
MAKING THE TRANSITION
Changing to a new computer is never fun, but sometimes you have to bite the bullet and get it done. We can help you smooth out process tell you what you need to do step by step. It is not as bad as you think, read this.
JUST GET IT DONE
You will have to move to Windows 10 at some point anyway, we really have no choice. So if you have an older computer that needs replaced you can take care of it all in one shot. Get a new computer with Windows 10 and you will be good to go for many more years.
UPGRADING FROM WINDOWS 7 TO WINDOWS 10
Is it possible to UPGRADE from Windows 7 to Windows 10? Yes, if your computer is fairly new (3 years or less). But keep in mind that upgrading is not always a smooth process and often leaves behind small issues to deal with. Be prepared for that just in case. Also, do this over a weekend so you have plenty of time to work out any kinks.
UPGRADING FAQ
Has Microsoft stopped supporting Windows 7 all together?
- Yes as of Jan 2020 all security updates have ceased. What does this mean to you? You are vulnerable as far as online security giving hackers and spammers an open loophole to your computer. You should take action.
Should I upgrade from W7 to W10 or buy a just new Windows 10 computer?
Generally speaking, if your computer is more than 3 years old, consider a new computer. There are many advantages in addition to maintaining PC security with Windows 10. Particularly if you use your computer for business or anything financially related.
If my computers is OLDER than 3 years old what should I do?
Buy a new computer with Windows 10 and just get it done. You will not have to worry about it for years. If you have questions give us a call.
- Do NOT attempt to upgrade an older machine to Windows 10. The results will be unpredictable and could prevent your computer, software and peripherals from working properly.
- Particularly if your computer is used for business or finance, it is not worth taking the chance of a downed system.
My computer is WITHIN 3 years, if I decide to upgrade, will I lose my data?
- No. However, you really should be backing up to an external source regularly. If you are not backing up, please read this.
- If you purchased your computer from NTI since 2017, no worries. Your computer hardware will be supported in Windows 10. If you purchased elsewhere, contact that computer manufacturer.
- You may need to reinstall proprietary software (trading platforms, Quickbooks, MS Office if older that version 2010, etc).
- If your computer is LESS than 3 years old and you are ready to upgrade, see the Microsoft Media Creation Tool and follow those step by step instructions. Generally speaking this process goes pretty smoothly. However, if you have any questions or run into issues, you will need to contact Microsoft directly for assistance with this upgrade.
- If this seems too much for you, we offer a flat rate upgrade service. Contact us today for details.
If I have a legit copy of Windows 7, will I have to buy a new copy of Windows 10?
- No, not normally. Windows 10 will take over the same Windows 7 product license key during the upgrade. You will be upgraded to the the same version you have now. For example Win 7 Home will go to Windows 10 Home edition, Win 7 Pro will go to Win 10 Pro edition etc.
Will my software, printer and other peripherals work in Windows 10?
You may need to do a little research here to make sure prior to upgrdading. For example a 10 year old HP printer will not work in Windows 10.
- If you have an older version of a software program, find out if it is Win 10 compatible.
- If you have a program that was borrowed ‘from a friend of a friend’ , programs cannot be copied. They must be resintalled so you will need the original install CD or file.
(See links at the top of this page for additional information)
HOW TO DO A CLEAN INSTALL OF WINDOWS 10
Before you Begin:
- This will require a bit of technical skill, consider an IT professional to do this for you.
- If you are not technical do not attempt a clean install on your own.
- Remember, your computer will be wiped clean and you are starting scratch so be prepared.
- Make sure ALL data has been backed up and verified before starting.
- Plan this over a weekend so you are not rushed.
Windows 10 Software
The first step would be to buy a new copy of Windows 10 Pro 64 bit software.
Backup Your data
Make sure you don’t forget your Favorites, My Documents and anything that is on the desktop.
Programs
If you have proprietary programs like trading software, Quicken or Quickbooks or professional software, stop here. Contact your software vendor about that data as it may be stored in a different location which would need to be backed up separately.
Gather all of your program software
This includes proprietary software, Microsoft Office etc. If some of your programs have been downloaded find them and put on a USB stick to have ready. If you need to download them again, do this now before you start the new Windows 10 install.
Turn Off Computer
Once you are double sure you have backed up all of your data, you have all of your program software and ready to start,turn off your computer.
Put the Windows 10 CD in the drive
Boot the machine and right away pop the CD in the drive. The system will boot directly from the Windows 10 CD and start to install. If you miss it and it boots to previous operating system, just reboot again. When you see the Windows 10 logo and the lights flashing on the front of the DVD you know it is loading.
Follow the procedure to install Windows 10
Note during the install it prompts you to create a Microsoft account. You do NOT have to do this, there is an option to create OFFLINE account (or a LOCAL account like you have now) choose that option. Usually on the lower left of the screen. Once it is finished your system will reboot leaving you at the desktop. Your clean install is complete.
Reinstall Your Programs
Reinstall all of your programs, then copy all of your data back to the system.
Update Drivers
Windows 10 is pretty good about automatically finding drivers, but double check the Device Manager to see if any are missing. Test your printers and other peripherals to make sure everything is working and you are DONE.
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